Today in NC State History: Valvano vows to stay at State

July 12, 2014

By Chris Saunders

It had been four years since Jim Valvano had led NC State to the ’83 national championship in basketball, but his name and coaching prowess still resonated, stretching even as far north as New York City.

Valvano had spent the summer months during 1987 flirting with the NBA, specifically with the New York Knicks. He was one of five candidates, along with University of Kansas Head Coach Larry Brown and Providence College Head Coach Rick Pitino, that the Knicks were reportedly considering making their head coach, according to the Technician.

But it was on this day 27 years ago that Valvano closed the door on the New York courtship and pledged to stay with the Wolfpack.

Illustration courtesy of NCSU Libraries.

“At this time, I would like to state that I am definitely remaining at NC State University,” Valvano announced. “My family and I are extremely happy at NC State, and I look forward to the challenges ahead. I have the utmost respect for the New York Knicks and their management. I will always remain a Knicks fan, and I wish them the best of luck.”

The New York native admitted he had met with the Knicks but had never been formally offered a job.

“I love NC State. I’m excited about the future — of what we can become,” he said.

The Knicks eventually hired Pitino, now the head coach of ACC foe Louisville.